Replacing Wood Siding With Hardie Plank

Replacing water damaged hardboard siding with durable fiber cement siding.

Replacing wood siding with hardie plank.

The paint finish on james hardie siding is guaranteed not to fade or chip for 15 years. The james hardie company created its original siding planks to look like wood products that had been in use for decades but with lower maintenance. Water from rain or sprinklers can damage hardboard and wood siding over time causing it to rot or deteriorate. The cement material used in the planks stands up to water in wet climates as well as dry hot or cold environments.

This siding is called fiber cement and the originator of fiber cement siding is a canadian company james hardie industries. Cedar is vulnerable to woodpeckers that will drill holes in wood siding allowing for insect and moisture penetration not good. It has been around since the 1980 s and has since been installed in million of homes across america. Hardie plank is the most well known premium type of cement fiber siding manufactured by the james hardie company.

To learn how to repair wood siding remove rotted boards with a flat pry bar. Like when your hardie board gets messed up and you don t fix it until you decide to write a post called how to repair hardie board siding. While a bit on the pricey side this siding commands excellent resale value. Hardy plank siding with wood grain looks fake and the smooth version is rough compared to real cedar siding.

Protect sound siding with a scrap piece of 1 4 in. Here is a peek at our damaged hardie board. After you remove the rotted courses use a small hacksaw to cut any protruding nail shanks or if you have a very strong grip use a good pair of wire cutters. Fiber cement is extremely low maintenance and requires only a periodic washing with a hose.

A few years ago we were headed on a little family vacay it seemed a million things needed to be done before we could get out of town. Fiber cement is also very durable. Real cedar siding with 4 inch lap adds 1 5 to the r rating of your exterior wall and the seams don t open up 3 8 of an inch like hardy plank does. Hardie plank is known for its strength durability and look of wood.

To top it all off this siding is highly fire resistant. This is also why the james hardie manufacturer does not recommend replacing a damaged cedar clapboard with this product. This usually occurs on the bottom rows of siding near the ground or on siding that adjoins a roof or chimney.